After the dusts of defeat settled, a contestant in the Nigerian Bar Association elections, Mr Babatunde Ajibade, congratulated Mr Olumide Akpata who emerged as the 30th President of the association.
In a statement personally signed by him on Friday, Ajibade said he was proud of the level of the debate and the quality of the ideas that were brought forth during the elections, which held on the 29th and 30th of July, for the improvement of the association, the welfare of its members and the good of society.
He, however, pointed out that the processes leading up to and during the election itself had not been devoid of controversy, while also expressing hope that the repeated challenges with conducting objectively free and fair elections in the association would be resolved.
“It is unfortunate that the process leading up to and during the election itself have, once again, not been devoid of controversy.
“It is my fervent hope that we will get over these repeated challenges with conducting objectively free and fair elections into the leadership positions in the association.
“I remain resolute in my belief that we cannot succeed in addressing the challenges confronting our profession unless we unite and I urge the incoming President and his executive to take deliberate and proactive steps to unite the Bar,” Ajibade said.
Speaking further, he thanked all those who supported his aspiration to be elected President of the association, noting that although they did not achieve the desired goal, the experience was rewarding and fulfilling.
“Though we did not get the result we wanted, the experience has been rewarding and fulfilling. I have met and established lasting bonds of friendship with colleagues from different parts of our great country Nigeria who share my values and aspirations for a better, stronger and united legal profession.
“To all those who sacrificed their time and resources, both material and otherwise, I owe a lasting debt of gratitude. I pray that God will reward each and every one of you
“Thank you and God bless,” the statement read in part.”
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